2/22/2026 · 11 min read

Grindelwald hiking guide: Eiger Trail, First gondola, and Bachalpsee

Everything you need to know to hike from Grindelwald - the full Eiger Trail walk-by-walk, First gondola to Bachalpsee, difficulty, timing, and where to stay.

Grindelwald is one of the strongest hiking bases in the Bernese Oberland because trail access starts close to accommodation and transport links are reliable. You can combine high-alpine routes with easier lake walks without changing towns. This flexibility is ideal for mixed-skill groups. Plan each day by weather exposure and energy, not only by map distance, because elevation profile and sun exposure can reshape difficulty quickly.

The Eiger Trail is the signature route for many visitors. A common pattern starts near Eigergletscher and descends toward Alpiglen, with options to continue toward Kleine Scheidegg segments depending on conditions. Expect around six hours including pauses, photo stops, and transport transitions. Terrain is moderate for experienced hikers but still alpine. Good footwear, water planning, and awareness of afternoon weather shifts are essential for a safe day.

First gondola plus Bachalpsee is the most accessible classic combination. From the top station, the lake trail is generally easy, family-friendly, and highly rewarding for effort. Round-trip walking time is often around three hours when pacing is moderate. On clear days the reflection views are a highlight. This route works well as a recovery day after harder terrain, especially if your group includes mixed confidence levels.

A useful alternative is the Grosse Scheidegg road-walk and linked ridge segments that provide broad valley viewpoints with less technical pressure. It can be adapted to half-day or full-day lengths depending on transfer choices. This route is often overlooked by visitors who focus only on marquee names. In reality, it can deliver more consistent pacing and excellent photography with lower crowd density than the headline trails.

June through October is usually the core hiking period, but exact accessibility depends on snowline and storm cycles. Early summer can still hold snow patches on shaded sections, while autumn shortens daylight and cools mornings quickly. Always verify current route status through local signage and transport operators before departure. Mountain weather can shift rapidly, so carry one more warm layer than valley conditions suggest.

Essential gear includes grippy shoes, light waterproof shell, compact insulation, sun protection, and enough water for long exposed sections. Trekking poles help on sustained descents like Eiger Trail exits. Offline maps are valuable because some sections have weak signal. Keep snacks accessible rather than buried in your bag; stable energy reduces decision fatigue and supports safer pacing on uneven ground.

A practical two-day structure is to place the harder Eiger Trail on your strongest weather day, then use First and Bachalpsee on the second day for moderate effort. Reverse this order if your group needs acclimatization or arrives late. Keeping one flexible half-day slot for weather recovery improves completion rates. It also helps if train schedules or gondola queues disrupt a strict start time.

Direct booking can improve hiking trips because hosts often provide route timing advice, gear-drying options, and realistic transport shortcuts around Grindelwald stations. Multi-night stays become easier when you can coordinate luggage, early starts, and late returns directly. Transparent pricing also supports longer hiking plans that need schedule elasticity. For mountain itineraries, local coordination often matters as much as the room itself.